Highgate’s Lib Dem councillors have welcomed a commitment this week from the local police chief that he will provide a police ‘kiosk’ in Highgate. The move follows a long campaign by Lynne Featherstone and the area’s Lib Dem councillors to restore a police presence in the area.

Chief Superintendent Stephen James made the commitment at a meeting yesterday with Ms Featherstone. The arrival of a permanent police kiosk in Highgate will depend on the force receiving its planned increase in police numbers, as promised, by the end of March 2003.In a constructive dialogue with the Lib Dem leader, Chief Superintendent James also agreed that it was vital for local residents to be able to contact the police easily by telephone and receive an answer from local officers who know the Highgate area very well.

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“This is good news for Highgate, and we welcome the police’s commitment to restore a more visible police presence in the area.While it is disappointing that the reopening of the front counter is not seen as an option given the current state of police resources, this is still a very welcome move.

Highgate local councillor Neil Williams adds:

“We now need to make sure that this welcome commitment is delivered, and that things move forward. One thing we must address is where a police kiosk in Highgate would be best placed. I would welcome the views of local residents at this stage, so we can keep the pressure up.”